The Supreme Court of India has ordered the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to allow parents to opt out of the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID system nationwide. This directive follows a ruling from the Orissa High Court. The government did not contest the High Court’s decision, making it applicable across all schools.
APAAR ID System
APAAR is a new identification system. The Ministry of Education introduced it under the National Education Policy 2020. It assigns each student a unique 12-digit ID. This ID tracks students through school and college.
The system aims to provide a lifelong digital record of academic achievements. It also facilitates easier transfer of student records between institutions. APAAR is intended to reduce paperwork and prevent lost or copied documents. Government officials state it will improve educational data management for better planning.
Court Case Background
The Supreme Court's order stems from a lawsuit filed by parents. They argued that the APAAR system, while called voluntary, effectively mandates Aadhaar card acquisition. Parents contended this forces students into a system without their consent.
Their lawyer argued that requiring an Aadhaar or APAAR ID for exam eligibility violates constitutional rights. Education is a fundamental right. This requirement, she stated, unfairly burdens students.
Orissa High Court Ruling
The Orissa High Court previously ruled that parents must have the option to refuse the APAAR ID. The Supreme Court’s directive ensures this ruling is implemented nationally.
The Central government’s decision not to challenge the Orissa High Court’s December 2025 judgment led to the nationwide application of the order. This means schools must now provide parents with a clear choice regarding their child’s participation in the APAAR system.
Key Takeaways
- Parents can now opt out of the APAAR ID system.
- The Supreme Court mandated nationwide implementation of this choice.
- This decision follows a ruling by the Orissa High Court.
- APAAR is a 12-digit ID for lifelong academic tracking.
